2016 GLE W166 Gas or Diesel
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 20
Likes: 8
Gle 350
2016 GLE W166 Gas or Diesel
Hi All,
I've already purchased a GLE gas model (2016). I have used it for one month and it is a great car. The only problem I have is that its MPG is too low, I need to refill gas every week. So I am kind of regretting that I didn't go for a diesel model, both of them had the similar price (diesel costs $2000 more), but the diesel model doesn't have apply carplay, no parking assist, no upgraded color and upgraded wheel. I mainly use this car for daily short-distance commute(less than 5 miles each way) and I am expecting to have it for 5-6 years. I prefer to spend as less as possible on repair. In such case, should I regret that I didn't buy the diesel model? What's your guys options?
Thanks in advance!
I've already purchased a GLE gas model (2016). I have used it for one month and it is a great car. The only problem I have is that its MPG is too low, I need to refill gas every week. So I am kind of regretting that I didn't go for a diesel model, both of them had the similar price (diesel costs $2000 more), but the diesel model doesn't have apply carplay, no parking assist, no upgraded color and upgraded wheel. I mainly use this car for daily short-distance commute(less than 5 miles each way) and I am expecting to have it for 5-6 years. I prefer to spend as less as possible on repair. In such case, should I regret that I didn't buy the diesel model? What's your guys options?
Thanks in advance!
Last edited by applecarplay; Jan 28, 2020 at 02:30 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 343
Likes: 86
From: Chicago, U.S.A.
2016 GLE 350 4-Matic
What is your MPG? You don't say...
You said in your post you drive---5 miles each way, that is 10 miles per day times 7 days is 70 miles total. You have to fill up after 70 miles???
I get about 21 in the city and about 25 on the highway. 4-matic version...
Driving very moderately.
I go about 350 to 400 miles between fill-ups.
You said in your post you drive---5 miles each way, that is 10 miles per day times 7 days is 70 miles total. You have to fill up after 70 miles???
I get about 21 in the city and about 25 on the highway. 4-matic version...
Driving very moderately.
I go about 350 to 400 miles between fill-ups.
Last edited by Chefcct; Jan 28, 2020 at 03:34 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 20
Likes: 8
Gle 350
As I mainly do city drive, the MPG I got is around 17. Sometimes I drive extra 20 miles after work. I just don't like paying $50 per week just for fuel. What's your opinion in terms of comparing gas model and diesel model?
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 343
Likes: 86
From: Chicago, U.S.A.
2016 GLE 350 4-Matic
People say they love the diesel also...QUOTE=applecarplay;7965884]As I mainly do city drive, the MPG I got is around 17. Sometimes I drive extra 20 miles after work. I just don't like paying $50 per week just for fuel. What's your opinion in terms of comparing gas model and diesel model?[/QUOTE]
Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 126
Likes: 28
E250 GLE300d
I've averaged just under 30 mpg in mixed driving on the 300d. We have the heated steering wheel, LED headlights, surround view camera/parkronic, CarPlay, Distronic, and real leather -- so probably better equipped than most GLE's out there.
The diesel is great (really special) on longer highway runs, not 5-6 mile commutes. A hybrid is best for that.
Good luck.
/
The diesel is great (really special) on longer highway runs, not 5-6 mile commutes. A hybrid is best for that.
Good luck.
/
Last edited by mfab; Jan 29, 2020 at 09:34 PM.
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 334
Likes: 10
From: Northern California
2016 GLE300d 4Matic
Well, I've had my '16 GLE300d - the diesel for a bit over a year and maybe 15,000 miles so a complete reliability assessment probably would take a few more years, but it has been 100% reliable having no problems. Just consumables - oil change, brakes, wiper blades, etc. I've been averaging similar mileage to the poster above with mileage in the mid-'30s on the road and mid-'20s in town My average mileage since reset is a little over 28 so I understand your pain but your usage might make for an unhappy diesel. It's best for highway driving close to half the time. The diesel has a regen cycle that cleans out the particulate filter every 300 miles or so I'm guessing. Some OP might have better details on that. It ups the fuel intake to burn out the filter and if it isn't done completely, maybe 20 miles of high speed, then the filter isn't cleaned and the excess fuel can wash down into the oil pan. It dilutes the oil and shortens its life - and your filter isn't clean either. It's a very rugged reliable engine with surprisingly good power but it isn't like the 80's diesels in that it does require a certain usage cycle to be happy.
As recommended by the OP, your usage might be best with the hybrid
As recommended by the OP, your usage might be best with the hybrid
Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 126
Likes: 28
E250 GLE300d
I also have an E250 with the same engine and transmission. I'm coming up on 90K miles on the E250 and it's been a workhorse (and totally reliable). I would assume the 300d would be similarly reliable, but definitely need a lot more time and miles to know what we're dealing with. The E class diesel can go 800 miles on a tank, the GLE 300d maybe ~650 (but it's a larger capacity tank).
Ultimately, I expect the weak point on both to be the BlueTEC system (heater and tank) and the diesel particulate filter.
Because of all of the torque, the diesel runs at low RPMs, and you almost never get a downshift from the transmission (regardless of throttle inputs). You can climb hills at highway speed and it just cruises along at 1700 RPMs. Very mellow and very nice. It makes the car very civilized to drive compared to the gas car. That said, I can't recommend buying a diesel for a 5 mile commute, it's just not it's strength.
Good luck.
/
Ultimately, I expect the weak point on both to be the BlueTEC system (heater and tank) and the diesel particulate filter.
Because of all of the torque, the diesel runs at low RPMs, and you almost never get a downshift from the transmission (regardless of throttle inputs). You can climb hills at highway speed and it just cruises along at 1700 RPMs. Very mellow and very nice. It makes the car very civilized to drive compared to the gas car. That said, I can't recommend buying a diesel for a 5 mile commute, it's just not it's strength.
Good luck.
/
Last edited by mfab; Jan 29, 2020 at 09:51 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 262
Likes: 69
From: Wisconsin
2016 GLE 350 4Matic, 2019 GLS 450 4Matic
Hi All,
I've already purchased a GLE gas model (2016). I have used it for one month and it is a great car. The only problem I have is that its MPG is too low, I need to refill gas every week. So I am kind of regretting that I didn't go for a diesel model, both of them had the similar price (diesel costs $2000 more), but the diesel model doesn't have apply carplay, no parking assist, no upgraded color and upgraded wheel. I mainly use this car for daily short-distance commute(less than 5 miles each way) and I am expecting to have it for 5-6 years. I prefer to spend as less as possible on repair. In such case, should I regret that I didn't buy the diesel model? What's your guys options?
Thanks in advance!
I've already purchased a GLE gas model (2016). I have used it for one month and it is a great car. The only problem I have is that its MPG is too low, I need to refill gas every week. So I am kind of regretting that I didn't go for a diesel model, both of them had the similar price (diesel costs $2000 more), but the diesel model doesn't have apply carplay, no parking assist, no upgraded color and upgraded wheel. I mainly use this car for daily short-distance commute(less than 5 miles each way) and I am expecting to have it for 5-6 years. I prefer to spend as less as possible on repair. In such case, should I regret that I didn't buy the diesel model? What's your guys options?
Thanks in advance!
Mine is a dual fuel vehicle so to lower the fill-up cost, I have been comfortable with a 50/50 E85 and premium mix. The dealer and manual does says that any combination or 100% of each is ok, but the trade-off is a lower MPG rate.
Again, I bought mine to be a workhorse, but I too wish maintenance costs were lower and fuel economy was higher. Having said that, even with the HID light kit I will put in to replace halogen bulbs, I am happy with the handling, acceleration, and overall drive-ability of my 2016 GLE350.
Last edited by SUV John; Jan 30, 2020 at 11:07 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 370
Likes: 27
From: Canada
2016 GLE 350d
My 2016 350d has averaged 27.6 mpg since new in mixed driving and gets over 30 mpg at relaxed speed highway driving or country roads. Diesels though are not good for short commutes or lots of cold start short drives as noted above. They need to come up to full operating temp and like to be run hard a little now and then. I do this with full throttle passing on 2 lane roads when the opportunity presents itself (a few times a week at least). My 2016 still looks brand new, doesn't have a mark on it and I think it will hold its value as the last year of the available 6 cylinder diesels. I also have CarPlay and love it, use it for many things daily and combined with Apple Music playlists, podcasts, Waze for navigation, its a great tool.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 897
Likes: 94
From: at the mercedes dealer next to you
2020 GLE350 2020 Toyota Rav4H AWD XLE
Thanks for making this thread OP
I know this may have been answered. For the GLE300D is it a good car to have as a daily driver? my commute is 60 miles per day
I know this may have been answered. For the GLE300D is it a good car to have as a daily driver? my commute is 60 miles per day
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 64
Likes: 13
From: YYC
GT3RS, GLE350d
Hi All,
I've already purchased a GLE gas model (2016). I have used it for one month and it is a great car. The only problem I have is that its MPG is too low, I need to refill gas every week. So I am kind of regretting that I didn't go for a diesel model, both of them had the similar price (diesel costs $2000 more), but the diesel model doesn't have apply carplay, no parking assist, no upgraded color and upgraded wheel. I mainly use this car for daily short-distance commute(less than 5 miles each way) and I am expecting to have it for 5-6 years. I prefer to spend as less as possible on repair. In such case, should I regret that I didn't buy the diesel model? What's your guys options?
Thanks in advance!
I've already purchased a GLE gas model (2016). I have used it for one month and it is a great car. The only problem I have is that its MPG is too low, I need to refill gas every week. So I am kind of regretting that I didn't go for a diesel model, both of them had the similar price (diesel costs $2000 more), but the diesel model doesn't have apply carplay, no parking assist, no upgraded color and upgraded wheel. I mainly use this car for daily short-distance commute(less than 5 miles each way) and I am expecting to have it for 5-6 years. I prefer to spend as less as possible on repair. In such case, should I regret that I didn't buy the diesel model? What's your guys options?
Thanks in advance!
Have you tried Costco to get better pricing on fuel if there is one nearby? Alternatively, you may want to seek out a hybrid as others have suggested.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 262
Likes: 69
From: Wisconsin
2016 GLE 350 4Matic, 2019 GLS 450 4Matic
Not to pick on any one person, but with mileage estimates readily available, it's hard to believe that there are some out there who are caught by surprise at the what these vehicles get.
Polling campers, for example, the average they get towing is around 10 mpg. So when I see a pickup towing a camper, and I'm getting 10 mpg with 1/2 E85 and 1/2 tank premium up to 12 mpg on average with all premium, I'm satisfied I'm on par with what the average is. The cost of things like brake jobs and oil changes is another story...
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 295
Likes: 52
From: Texas
2016 GLE350 4Matic, 2017 GLC300
Speaking of technology, I recently looked at the rated mpg of a 2020 GLE350 and if I recall it was at 19 city and 26 highway for a 4-cylinder turbo. The GLE450 was 2-4 mpg less. While I wish for better mileage at times, I bought it to eliminate a pickup truck to tow a camper with.
Not to pick on any one person, but with mileage estimates readily available, it's hard to believe that there are some out there who are caught by surprise at the what these vehicles get.
Polling campers, for example, the average they get towing is around 10 mpg. So when I see a pickup towing a camper, and I'm getting 10 mpg with 1/2 E85 and 1/2 tank premium up to 12 mpg on average with all premium, I'm satisfied I'm on par with what the average is. The cost of things like brake jobs and oil changes is another story...
Not to pick on any one person, but with mileage estimates readily available, it's hard to believe that there are some out there who are caught by surprise at the what these vehicles get.
Polling campers, for example, the average they get towing is around 10 mpg. So when I see a pickup towing a camper, and I'm getting 10 mpg with 1/2 E85 and 1/2 tank premium up to 12 mpg on average with all premium, I'm satisfied I'm on par with what the average is. The cost of things like brake jobs and oil changes is another story...
